Eleanor Harrison OBE is CEO of GlobalGiving UK, a crowdfunding platform for individuals doing great work in their local communities, from running schools and orphanages to helping survivors of natural disasters. 

We met up with Eleanor to understand more about the GlobalGiving platform, and how it helps to raise finance for projects with social purpose in the UK and around the world.

Why should charities, community groups and social entrepreneurs be excited about crowdfunding?

It is an exciting way to engage your supporters of your work. The sense of urgency (to give now), the sense of being part of something bigger and the excellent digital tools available to build your network, raise more money and more awareness for your work is fun, engaging and great skills building!

In addition, the data you collect is invaluable in building better campaigns in the future.

Why was your platform set up and what are you hoping to achieve?

In 2000, we realised that there was no virtual marketplace to connect people delivering good social impact work in local communities around the world and people with the resources to help.

We also saw that there was a lack of efficiency and transparency in the process. Thus in 2002 we launched GlobalGiving.

We are seeking to democratise aid and philanthropy. Through achieving this we believe we will be able to help world citizens to truly thrive.

How can your platform help people or organisations interested in fundraising for a good cause?

• Crowdfunding training course (7 part online and in-person workshops)

• Competitive, supported crowdfunding challenge (with bonus prizes)

• We run regular match-funding campaigns to make it easy to help organisations raise more money for their important work

• Communications and social media training

• Networking events

• One-to-one support

Are there any unique features of your platform we should know about?

• Free training and ongoing peer learning network

• GlobalGiving Rewards (online rewards system that rewards learning and curiosity)

• Free skilled mentoring and leadership programmes

• Continuous Corporate and other grant programmes and gift cards

• Many matching campaigns and bonus funds available

If you could give three tips to someone using crowdfunding for a good cause what would they be?

1) Ensure you have a good project pitch (and that you would give money to your project and would be willing to ask your friends).

2) Map your network (no, really) :)

3) Plan for sustained execution in your crowdfunding campaign (it takes 4-5 weeks usually to run a good campaign!)

You can learn more about Global Giving and the types of projects it supports at: www.globalgiving.org/

Read the other interviews with crowdfunding platforms.

Photo Credit: Nicholasjf21, Creative Commons 3.0 license